Discover La Palma: the island that escapes the mass tourism model

With Vueling's summer route between Barcelona and La Palma, the airline facilitates access to one of the most unique islands in the Canary Islands: La Palma. Known as the Beautiful Island, La Palma is a destination that has managed to protect its natural and cultural identity, escaping the mass tourism that has marked other islands. The inhabitants of one of the Canary Islands have managed to keep the culture of their territory alive, from traditional cuisine to popular festivals and the typical architecture of historic centers. Its commitment to sustainable development and authenticity has made it a benchmark for an increasingly conscious type of traveler.

A territory declared a Biosphere Reserve

With a surface area of just over 700 km², La Palma has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve thanks to its high biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. The island offers a variety of landscapes difficult to find elsewhere in Europe: volcanic peaks, humid laurel forests, steep cliffs, and black sand beaches.

One of the most iconic sites is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, an immense eroded crater surrounded by peaks over 2,000 meters high. The park is crisscrossed by streams, waterfalls, and an extensive network of marked trails, making it a prominent destination for nature tourism. The hiking trails that crisscross the national park are ideal for outdoor activity and nature lovers.

Also worth noting is the Los Tilos Forest, one of the best examples of laurel forest in the world, ideal for easy hikes in a cool, shady environment. The Teneguía volcano and the areas affected by the 2021 eruption now offer geological trails of great scientific and scenic interest.

Living culture and local heritage

La Palma maintains a deep-rooted cultural identity. In addition to traditional festivals—such as the Devil's Festival and the Descent of the Virgin of the Snows—the island offers a cultural offering centered on local values. Weekly markets in municipalities such as Puntagorda and El Paso showcase local and nearby products: artisanal cheeses, Malvasia wine, laurel honey, and organic bananas.

The cuisine combines indigenous, Spanish, and Latin American influences. Dishes such as rabbit in salmorejo, the stews and the famous ones wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce are part of everyday cuisine and can be enjoyed in both small family establishments and more renowned restaurants.

Charming nights and accommodations

The island is also a world leader in astrotourism: it has Starlight certification, which guarantees optimal conditions for observing the heavens. In addition to being home to one of Europe's most important astronomical observatories, Roque de los Muchachos, it offers viewing points and guided activities for the general public interested in gazing at dark skies.

Many of the accommodations offered are restored rural houses, charming small hotels, or sustainable accommodations run by local families. The mild climate year-round and the tranquility of its villages make La Palma an ideal destination for travelers seeking a respectful and enriching experience.

Fly with Vueling, a leading airline in Europe

There's still time to book your trip for this summer. The direct connection between Barcelona-El Prat Airport and La Palma Airport (SPC), operated by Vueling during the 2025 summer season, strengthens connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands. This weekly route makes it easy to reach a unique destination far from mass tourism.